Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the rowing population (Gilchrist,1983; Leo, 2015; Searge et al., 1990). There is a high prevalence of LBP in rowers at all training levels. However, very few studies have reported an effective management strategy to reduce LBP in these athletes (Leo, 2015). This may be due to the multidimensional nature of LBP that ranges from physical, psychological, social and lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine whether personality traits, identified by the Eysenck personality questionaire (EPQ) and level of motivation, identified by two test General achievement motivation (GAM) and Sport achievement motivation (SAM), in rowers with LBP are similar to those of a rowers without LBP. Methods: The medical interview were performed on a group comprised of 19 rowers (age: 18,2±2,6 years; height: 184,3±6,3 cm; weight: 80,9±8,86 kg), members of the Croatian national team during spring preparation camp. All rowers were asked to complete three test: two test which measure level of motivation for general (GAM) and sport (SAM) achievement and one test which measure personality traits (EPQ). Rowers were divided in two groups according the incidence of low back pain. Descriptive analysis as well as univariate analysis were processed using the statistical package Statistica 13. Results: Incidence of LBP divided rowers in two groups. One group with incidence of LBP included 10 (52,6%) rowers. Univariate analysis didn`t show differencies in any variable within these two groups. Discussion: Incidence of LBP among this group of Croatian rowers is found to be at level usually reported in numerous studies. Konative aspect of rowers as well as motivation are not characteristics which differ rowers according to LBP incidence. Taimela et al (1999) demonstrated that lumbar fatique significantly impaired the ability of subjects to sence the position of their trunks when in flexion. For rowers, this may mean that, as they become fatigued, they may not be aware that they are moving into a more flexed posture. Beside all modalities and time spending in specific rowing work, with aim of prevention of low back pain relevance should be paid to metabolic intensities as the body reacts on mechanical work intesity.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Veröffentlicht von University of Vienna. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.